W164 ML550 AMG Grill Replacement - Broken Matte to Hey, It's New Gloss

Watch me remove & install a new front grill on my 2008 ML. Replacing the AMG grill I broke with one off eBay for less than 1/3 the price of the Mercedes version, looks better in my opinion too. Will the difference in price reveal itself during the install? While some may remedy an issue with another purchase, that isn't really my style. Watch to see what hurdle I encountered, and how I overcame it in the most adverse of conditions... summer in Texas, with no sweet tea.
*Disclaimer: What works for me may not work for you. If you choose to use a soldering iron, etc., PLEASE BE CAREFUL. I will NOT be held responsible if you start applying for the Darwin Award & burn your house down. Take necessary precautions, people depend on you.

[@shawnd3498]

Thanks for the ML550 specific videos. Keep ‘em coming

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Thanks, will do!

[@BatonND]

What exactly are the two vertical rectangular metal plates on the left and the right of the front bumper cover? I never understood what they are and I want to cover them now since they look outdated especially given my car is black!

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Honestly, I think they are aesthetic only. I believe they came on the Merc's with the AMG Sport package only, and are just visual style enhancements. I haven't pulled the front bumper off to confirm, but you should be able to plasti-dip them, cover them in vinyl, or similar without any ill-effects, as I don't see any sensors, wires, etc., coming from mine...be sure to check yours & modify at your own risk! Be safe!

[@BatonND]

@@shawn_of_the_shred I covered them with some carbon fiber wrap (also wrapped the running boards). Looks great 😃

[@TheZenMicro]

So does the emblem from a 2005-2008 model not fit into a grill for a 2008-2012 (facelift) model?

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Honestly, I am not too sure. I had the original emblem from my 2008, but no others to test. Since it would not fit on this grill without modification, it may have been intended for the facelift model, but again can't really say for sure.

[@ValdisVitols]

these aftermarket grills accept w163 emblems (first gen ML)

[@Xbox360PL4Y3R]

Where did you get the matte grill from?

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

The matte black grill was part of the stock AMG Sport package on the 550. Definitely would have kept the matte black if I didn't accidentally break it, really liked that look.

[@gurpreettatla1291]

Would a 2006-08 fit a 2011?

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

When I was searching for this one, I would find several that were specified as 2005-2008, and then 2009-2011, so there may be slight differences in the grill, mounting locations, or otherwise. Since mine is a 2008, I went with the grill specified for my year, but I have seen a few that say 2005-2011, so it might fit. I would check with the company/seller to confirm compatibility, just to be safe.

[@monson2121]

Need to turn it until it line up

[@shawn_of_the_shred]

Hahaha, it looks crooked, but is as straight as I could eyeball it. Also, permanently attached now, so would have to flip my car to turn it, lol!